Officials hoping to book first events for civic center in April

Javier Madrid Jr. works on the airduct system Thursday at the Clovis Civic Center. Officials said the center is near completion and has already booked events for May. (Staff photo: Eric Kluth)

By Tonya Garner: CNJ staff writer

The Clovis Civic Center is welcoming the arrival of its air-conditioner units as well as three new employees, Manager Neil McMullin said Thursday.

City officials had originally planned for a December grand opening, but said a variety of issues slowed construction. Louisiana hurricanes also delayed the availability of the air-conditioner units.

McMullin said the 29,000-square-foot building located north of Clovis Community College is near completion and he is hoping for an April opening.

McMullin said chandeliers have been hung and the finishing touches are being placed on decorative trim. Once the engineering work is complete on the rooftop air-conditioning units, McMullin said the interior carpet can be laid and preparations for the first events can be finalized. “I think the building looks beautiful,” McMullin said. “People’s jaws are dropping when they see it.”

The multi-purpose facility will feature two ballrooms, four meeting rooms and a 16,000-square-foot kitchen.

“The contractor hasn’t given me the green light yet,” McMullin said, “but I’m shooting to book a few events in April.” McMullin said several May events are already scheduled.
The manager announced three hirings, which brings the staff to four, including McMullin.

McMullin said Global Spectrum, the Philadelphia-based company managing the civic center, also plans to hire a full-time janitor/landscaper, operations manager and business manager. The company also plans to hire approximately 25 part-time employees for kitchen staff and events. “The part-time staff will really be event dependent,” McMullin said.